Headspace question

thump_rrr

thump_rrr

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I began reloading for my first bolt action rifle recently.
It's a .308 Savage 10BA.

I just picked up a headspace gauge this weekend and measured the cases fired in my rifle which measured 1.627" from base to the datum line.

I have some range pickup brass which is only 1.618" from base to datum line before resizing.
Should I still run it through a full length sizing die since its never been fired through my rifle?
Is it safe to fire so that it will take the form of my chamber?
Is there anything I'm overlooking?
 
One small caution: Be aware that brass left at the range may have been reloaded many times. It could be why it was discarded.
 
thump_rrr said:
I began reloading for my first bolt action rifle recently.
It's a .308 Savage 10BA.

I just picked up a headspace gauge this weekend and measured the cases fired in my rifle which measured 1.627" from base to the datum line.

I have some range pickup brass which is only 1.618" from base to datum line before resizing.
Should I still run it through a full length sizing die since its never been fired through my rifle?
Is it safe to fire so that it will take the form of my chamber?
Is there anything I'm overlooking?
Click to expand...

These numbers don't make sense. (from memory here) Minimum headspace for .308 Winchester is 1.630" (and max is 1.636", i.e. only 6 thou longer). Both of the numbers you mention are less than minimum, and they differ from each other by 9 thou.

What sort of "headspace gauge" do you mean, do you mean something like the RCBS Precision Mic?

You can F/L size the brass and use it in your rifle.

If you have a neck sizer and would prefer to only neck size it if possible, then try chambering the fired brass from the other rifle into your rifle. If you can do so without it sticking, then all you need to do is neck size it (if it sticks in your chamber it can stick pretty firmly; but a cleaning rod can lightly tap it out).
 
rnbra-shooter said:
These numbers don't make sense. (from memory here) Minimum headspace for .308 Winchester is 1.630" (and max is 1.636", i.e. only 6 thou longer). Both of the numbers you mention are less than minimum, and they differ from each other by 9 thou.

What sort of "headspace gauge" do you mean, do you mean something like the RCBS Precision Mic?

You can F/L size the brass and use it in your rifle.

If you have a neck sizer and would prefer to only neck size it if possible, then try chambering the fired brass from the other rifle into your rifle. If you can do so without it sticking, then all you need to do is neck size it (if it sticks in your chamber it can stick pretty firmly; but a cleaning rod can lightly tap it out).
Click to expand...
I'm using the Hornady headspace gauge.

After reading a few other threads on another site I've come to the conclusion that the case hasn't stretched to chamber length after just one firing.
Some people say it can take 3-4 firings till the cartridge takes on chamber dimensions.

You are correct in stating that minimum headspace is supposed to be 1.630'.
I will reload the same brass and follow its growth.

On another note the rifle has shot several 1/4"moa groups when I do my part.:)
The round count on this rifle is now up to 203.
 
Thats a good find, if you watched buddy shoot the ammo from the factory box and hand it over. Otherwise, like others have mentioned, I wouldn't trust range brass at all.

Even better find if the three boxes were from the same lot.

+ one for full length sizing.

That definitely sounds suspect about the fired casing length being 12 thou shorter than spec. That would mean that the other guys chamber is really tight, wouldn't it?
 
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